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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Activists slowed down speech don't think I can catch the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his identity by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of the president's key aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but resigned from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a documentary about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a live taping of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

British Affairs Mentioned in Messages

The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "The guys are attempting to move on. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so others get the commitment of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Can Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people here have no balls" and added "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK told the BBC: "Nigel Farage has not been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest such a meeting took place.

The Congress will vote next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in prison in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was reignited this week after the publication of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.